Can forensic science learn from the COVID-19 crisis?

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Public Health
• Crisis Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in public health systems.
• Forensic science faces its own set of challenges, often termed a "crisis."
• This paper explores potential parallels and shared solutions between these two domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate shared problems and potential solutions between the COVID-19 crisis and the forensic science crisis.
• To draw parallels between the medical system's response to the pandemic and the state of forensic science.
• To identify transferable lessons from the pandemic for the advancement of forensic science.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of the COVID-19 crisis response and the forensic science landscape.
• Identification of key stages and impacts of the pandemic.
• Qualitative assessment of similarities and differences between the two crises.

Main Results:

• The COVID-19 crisis and the forensic science crisis share common challenges and impacts.
• Three distinct stages of the pandemic's impact are identified, mirroring effects in forensic science.
• The medical system's reaction to the pandemic offers insights into forensic science's needs.

Conclusions:

• Forensic science must embrace a robust scientific approach, including critical thinking.
• Inter-disciplinary collaboration is crucial for addressing current and future forensic science challenges.
• Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can strengthen forensic science, particularly in digital environments.